With the user as the main focus, there are certain steps to follow to create an ideal site. All companies know they need to have a website. However, sometimes, they do not make the best decisions when creating one.
The most important principle to take into account when approaching web design is to focus on the user. With this in mind, here are 14 recommendations to create a website and not fail in the attempt:
- Target
The first thing you have to take into account is that you design for people. Defining the profile of the model or target user will allow you to design for the people who will use the site.
- Content
Points to take into account when preparing the content that you are going to present:
– Generate clear and concise text for the user.
– Create clear and visible buttons and links.
– Check spelling in detail. Nothing will make your site seem less professional than silly typos!
– Create clear and visual hierarchies. Users do not read, they only scan 20% of the text they see.
– Internationalise the content.
– Speak the user’s language: avoid using technical words.
- Navigation
You must generate a clear and friendly navigation. You can see good examples of this at https://xist2.com. The user must know at all times in what part of the site they are located and how to move through the site.
- Design
Do not reinvent the wheel. Respect the design patterns. For example, normally the logo of a site should go up on the left and the search engine on the top right. If you break a pattern it has to have a meaning, otherwise, you will be generating confusion in users.
- Scroll
Keep the scroll always visible (above the fold): the design of the site should invite the user to navigate the page.
- Images
All the images you use should provide information or aim to generate an emotional link with users.
- Forms
Create simple forms. Users do not want to waste time completing data, it is preferable to make a simple form and ask for more information as the user navigates your site.
- Free entry
Do not force entry and registration: it is essential to allow the user to navigate a part of the site without having to register.
- Avoid distractions
Remove the distractions of sensitive flows, such as simplifying the header and footer in the purchase flows.
- Information architecture
Design the information architecture. How are you going to talk to the user? How will they access the rest of the pages? This must be thought through and tested with real users.
- Create design with consistency
You should not change design decisions all the time. If the registration button is green and it is at the top right, it should be kept this way on the rest of the pages. Making random changes generates confusion and greater cognitive load for users.
- Compatibility
Performing quality tests allows your site to work in different browsers and devices.
- Responsive
Making a responsive design is a key factor. In many cases, visits through mobile devices exceed those through desktop computers. It is also a decisive factor in positioning in search engines: Google punishes sites that are not responsive by showing them in the last pages.
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